18817, East Smithfield, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 18817, East Smithfield, Pennsylvania is 97 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.42 percent of the residents in 18817 has some form of health insurance. 38.93 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 63.36 percent of the residents have private health insurance, either through their employer or direct purchase. Military veterans should know that percent of the residents in the ZIP Code of 18817 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 38 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 4 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18817. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 18 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,888 health care providers accessible to residents in 18817, East Smithfield, Pennsylvania.

The analysis of asthma care quality in East Smithfield, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 18817) requires a multi-faceted approach, examining not only the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) but also the specific resources and practices that contribute to effective asthma management. This assessment will delve into physician-to-patient ratios, highlight exemplary practices, explore the adoption of telemedicine, and investigate the integration of mental health support – all crucial components for a comprehensive asthma score.

East Smithfield, a rural community, likely faces challenges common to such areas: potential physician shortages and limited access to specialized care. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical starting point. National averages offer a benchmark, but local realities often differ significantly. Data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, combined with information from the American Medical Association (AMA) and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), would provide a clearer picture of the PCP density within the ZIP code. A low ratio (fewer physicians per capita) signals a potential hurdle for asthma patients seeking timely appointments and consistent care. This scarcity could lead to delayed diagnoses, inadequate treatment plans, and increased reliance on emergency room visits, all of which negatively impact asthma control.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of primary care practices significantly influences asthma outcomes. Identifying standout practices involves examining several key indicators. Practices that consistently adhere to national asthma guidelines, such as those established by the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP), are prime candidates. This includes documenting asthma severity, prescribing appropriate medications (including inhaled corticosteroids and rescue inhalers), providing patient education on triggers and management techniques, and developing personalized asthma action plans. Reviews from patients, accessible through platforms like Healthgrades or Vitals, offer valuable insights into patient experiences, including communication, wait times, and overall satisfaction. Practices that prioritize patient education and proactive management strategies generally yield better asthma control rates.

Telemedicine has emerged as a powerful tool for improving healthcare access, particularly in rural settings. Its adoption within East Smithfield’s primary care practices is a crucial factor in the asthma score assessment. Telemedicine allows for remote consultations, medication refills, and follow-up appointments, reducing the need for travel, which can be a significant barrier for patients, especially during asthma exacerbations. Practices that utilize telemedicine effectively can offer more frequent monitoring, improve medication adherence, and provide timely interventions. Investigating the availability of virtual asthma education programs, remote monitoring devices (e.g., peak flow meters with data transmission capabilities), and the integration of telehealth platforms into existing workflows is essential.

The link between asthma and mental health is increasingly recognized. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's emotional well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life. Conversely, mental health challenges can worsen asthma symptoms and adherence to treatment plans. Therefore, the integration of mental health resources within primary care practices is a vital component of a comprehensive asthma care model. This includes screening for mental health conditions, providing access to mental health professionals (e.g., therapists, counselors, psychiatrists), and coordinating care between primary care physicians and mental health providers. Practices that offer integrated behavioral health services or have established referral pathways for mental health support demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care, which contributes to better asthma management.

Furthermore, the availability of specialized asthma care within or near East Smithfield is relevant. While primary care physicians are the cornerstone of asthma management, access to pulmonologists (specialists in lung diseases) and allergists (specialists in allergies, a common asthma trigger) is crucial for complex cases or when asthma control is difficult to achieve. Analyzing the proximity of specialists, the ease of referral processes, and the availability of specialized diagnostic testing (e.g., allergy testing, pulmonary function tests) provides a more complete understanding of the healthcare landscape for asthma patients.

The overall asthma score for doctors in ZIP code 18817 would be a composite measure, weighing the factors discussed above. A high score would reflect a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, practices that adhere to national guidelines, robust telemedicine adoption, integrated mental health resources, and easy access to specialized care. Conversely, a low score would indicate potential challenges, such as physician shortages, limited access to specialized services, and a lack of resources for patient education and mental health support.

To visualize the distribution of healthcare resources and gain a deeper understanding of the asthma care landscape in East Smithfield and surrounding areas, we recommend exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome's interactive mapping platform allows you to visualize data on physician locations, practice characteristics, telemedicine availability, and other relevant factors, providing a powerful tool for assessing healthcare access and identifying areas for improvement.